Weird Inventions from the Past, Part 2

Bike tyre used as a swimming aid, invented by Italian M. Goventosa de Udine.

Stroller equipped with a radio, including antenna and loudspeaker, to keep the baby quiet, USA, 1921.

Massive automatic hair dryer

Tsar Nikolai’s II Car with skates, 1917

Clap skate – In 1936, inventor R. Handl came up with the movable heel plate, but it wasn’t until 1996 that this concept revolutionized skating.

Indoor skiing

Folding bridge for emergencies – The emergency bridge can easily be transported on a handcart, invented by L. Deth. The Netherlands, 1926

Faxed newspaper – In 1938, the world’s first wireless newspaper was sent from WOR radio station in New York City. In this photo, children are reading the children’s page of a Missouri paper.

Bikes for your feet

Beating Breasts, 1963. A pair of artificial breasts with a built-in heartbeat, an invention from Japan intended as a sleeping aid for very young children.

The Cigarette Pack Holder created in 1955.

Russell E. Oakes, an amateur American inventor, wearing his problem-solving inventions, which include spikes around his arms which enabled him to weave through busy department stores and a wind-up spaghetti eater, circa 1955. (Photo by Evans/Three Lions/Getty)